The Last Knight: A Picture Album

Emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519) held sway over much of Europe in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. He boldly established the prominence of the Habsburgs, enhancing their prestige and expanding their dominions to the Low Countries, Hungary, Bohemia, parts of Italy, and Spain. As he skillfully crafted a public persona and personal mythology, Maximilian indulged his passion for the trappings and ideals of knighthood, including beautifully decorated suits of armor, which eventually earned him the sobriquet “the Last Knight.” This delightful album, published on the five hundredth anniversary of Maximilian’s death, features an engaging text about his life and legacy, gorgeously illustrated with armor, paintings, prints, and an exquisite tapestry.